By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Year one for development for rookie Jake Locker fared well. The Titans knew he needed time to learn and adapt to the NFL level. Instead of throwing him into the lineup they positioned him behind veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Allowing for comfort for Locker, knowing that he would not be forced into the lineup, as what happens with many rookies that are playing behind veteran journeyman quarterbacks.

Year two though for the same quarterback tandem is definitely going to be different. Locker in spot duty showcased freestyle unorthodox skills that adds a different dimension to the Titans offense. Whether throwing on the run or utilizing his legs, Locker proved to be a threat with both abilities. Hasselbeck on the other hand is past his prime but may have a solid few years left in him.

The daunting question arises. Begin building now through bumps with Locker, or continue to try and position? Considering the Titans are in a division with the Colts (Andrew Luck), Jaguars (Blaine Gabbert), and the rising but inconsistent Houston Texans, the plan will likely be too start with Hasselbeck once again.

His numbers were never great last season, but he managed to offset a poor season from Chris Johnson and adjust to playing without big play receiver Kenny Britt. Still, Hasselbeck was unable to stay healthy the full year which has been a pattern dating back to his last few seasons with Seattle. Though he battled through the pain and did not miss a start, management is prepared to insert Locker over an eighty percent Hasselbeck.

Offensive weapons at either quarterbacks disposal is a high area of concern. Somehow the Titans were able to use a platoon of widely unknown receivers with big play receiver Kenny Britt sidelined after a knee injury. The receiver that stepped up the most was Nate Washington. Washington had never been a commodity in fantasy leagues but became a sneaky waiver wire reliable addition. Catching seven touchdowns and having a thousand yard season.

With Kenny Britt just undergoing a second knee procedure July 17^th, it will be interesting to see if Britt can be a viable starting receiver. Snaring jump balls and outrunning defenders was Britt’s forte, basically becoming the new Terrell Owens. Statistically based on other athletes that have come off a serious knee injury no matter what sport, you can expect a main decline overall.

For Britt though he can still be a high value touchdown receiver inside the twenty yard line. Especially for the fact that Chris Johnson is not a true red zone threat, and the Titans feed him the ball much more over the way they use to LenDale White in the red zone.

Rookie Kendall Wright will be expected to add a speed element over the top for the Titans offense. He should blend in well. He will have his work cut out for him though learning the offense and likely being a viable part of the offense from the start of the season.

Mentally teams that know there is a likely quarterback change over usually under perform to start the season. Will see if that happens in Tennessee, and which week Locker is inserted.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

At a point in your career as a superstar you’re able to voice your opinion to the front office with full range of clarity. If not, a superstar disgruntled on a losing team is a recipe for a bad mix. Chemistry clashes via pouting or underperforming. That can be said for many cornerstone athletes over the years. A few that pop up are the veterans in Terrell Owens and Randy Moss.

Franchises have suffered from this. Take the Cincinnati Bengals for example. Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer cried their ways out of Cincinnati. Before them it was Corey Dillon high displeasure with the Bengals that finally allowed him to exit to the Patriots.

Some superstar athletes just speak their mind. After Kurt Warner retired and the Cardinals lost free agent receiver Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals offense suffered immensely. Larry Fitzgerald who has likely been the top receiver in the NFL had to suffer through a year with a huge decline in talent around him. His quarterbacks bounced around from the likes of Derek Anderson to rookies in John Skelton and Max Hall. Receivers to thwart the attention off Fitzgerald were Early Doucet and Steve Breaston.

The same theme; surrounded talent that had underperformed or had the inexperience to play at the level Larry Fitzgerald needed them to.

Then came the off-season of 2010. Fitzgerald went through the same type of training he typically does. Partaking in extensive drills with other receivers throughout the league, including past great Cris Carter. Many knew the Cardinals would have to go another route at quarterback, and Fitzgerald was one that wanted it be well known who he favored.

Rumors of quarterbacks such as Marc Bulger and Kyle Orton as possible veteran fill ins circled the rumor mill. Fitzgerald wanted none of that, and began lobbying for Kevin Kolb almost simultaneously. The new rumor was that Fitzgerald was working out and doing pass catching drills with Kolb during the lockout.

When the lockout ended, the Cardinals threw a huge contract at Kolb and he was to be the Cardinals mainstay at quarterback for years to come. If only things were that simple. Kolb struggled tremendously to learn a new system, and looked like a rookie almost all of his starts on the field. Injuries began to plague his season, and John Skelton surprisingly became a much more reliable starter.

Arizona knows that Kolb may have been the wrong answer, as they were hoping to land Peyton Manning and cut Kolb. Manning could not make his decision quick enough, and rather than be like Miami was without a backup plan for Matt Flynn, the Cardinals accepted year two with Kevin Kolb.

Microphones and voice recorders are going to be in the faces of superstar athletes all off-season. Discussions of the NFL Draft is one of many topics reporters are going to ask. When it was asked on who the Cardinals should go after in the first round, Fitzgerald did not shy away. He wants the Cardinals to go after talented Notre Dame prospect, Michael Floyd.

Floyd has shown on the field that he can be a special receiver in the NFL. His label of question has nothing to do with his route running or size. It’s his off the field issues, which have been a constant while at Notre Dame. Run ins with alcohol related issues happened on three occasions. Fitzgerald believes he can be the veteran to lend the proper support structure for a rookie in Floyd. Properly train him with his great work habits and lead him off the field as well.

The main question this time around. As a front office do you listen to Larry Fitzgerald this time? You’ve done the evaluating as a front office and likely have a solid three to four prospects that you’re eyeing on draft day. Receiver is a need but do they feel they need to use a high value pick for another position, and add a receiver in latter rounds?

Draft day is just about a day away, and Fitzgerald just recently voiced his opinion. This time around I believe the Cardinals will go with who they have rated the highest on their draft board. Whether that be Floyd or not.

By Vidur Malik

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Now that NFL offenses have come down to earth from the astronomical numbers they were putting up in the beginning of the season, your fantasy players have probably taken a hit.

Quarterbacks have had the most noticeable drop-off in production, but the league’s elite wide receivers have also seen their numbers drop. Two examples are Wes Welker and Calvin Johnson. Both players began the season with the potential to have record-setting years. Welker had over 700 yards after only five weeks, while Johnson had nine touchdown receptions in his first five games. Welker looked like he was on his way to setting the record for receiving yards in a season – which currently belongs to Jerry Rice, who had 1,848 yards in 1995 – and Johnson was on pace to shatter the record for touchdown receptions in a season, which Randy Moss set in 2007 with 23 touchdowns.

Both have dramatically cooled off. Johnson hasn’t cleared 100 yards receiving in his past three games and only has one touchdown in that span, and Welker has gone above 100 yards only once the past four games. Welker and Johnson are still ranked number one and two in yardage for receivers, respectively, and their numbers are still relatively good compared to their record-setting output earlier in the season, so there’s no reason to panic. You should, however, start looking for lesser-known wide outs for your team if you haven’t already.

There are a few receivers out there who might not be household names and should be available in your league. We recommended taking a look at Earl Bennett of the Chicago Bears a few weeks ago, and even though quarterback Jay Cutler is out with a broken thumb, Bennett is still the most reliable receiver on the team and should be a target for backup quarterback Caleb Hanie. Michael Crabtree of the 49ers had a seven-catch, 120-yard day against the Cardinals in week 11, and though he only had 54 yards against the Ravens on Thursday, he was still the Niners’ leading receiver with six catches.

Looking for tight ends could also help your team. Picking up players like Dennis Pitta of the Baltimore Ravens or Fred Davis of the Redskins and putting them in your flex spot could get you solid production. Both players aren’t going to give you big numbers, but they do get targeted by their quarterbacks and could get you some points on any given day.

Like any position, the wide receiver spots in fantasy teams are dominated by a few stars, but looking for up-and-comers who aren’t widely known could help you make a late-season surge. Players like Welker and Johnson will always be fantasy threats, but even they have off days. Make sure you’re prepared for them.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Have the bye weeks and injuries caused a skid of losses that you hope end this week? Turning your season around, may ride on this week. Who are some value guys out there that you should start or avoid?

Quarterbacks

Start: Philip Rivers

Many think Rivers and the Chargers will struggle with the way they lost on Monday Night. Have the way the Chargers played over the years ever been predictable? Look for this team to come out and play the Packers tough. Rivers has had one of his roughest years, and his botched snap may finally of been the wake up call for 2011.

Start: Jon Skelton

Sometimes teams can come out and give it their all for a game. For a game last week the Rams put on a good performance. One week though is not going to bypass the major deficiences of this team. Often one game fill in quarterbacks can have some success. Heck, undrafted rookie Max Hall got a win for the Cardinals against the Saints last year. Skelton is a big quarterback that had a few starts a year ago. He’ll deliver some key balls and put up decent numbers against a poor Rams defense

Start: Matt Cassel

Cassel has put together a solid run of starts transitioning himself from a borderline fantasy starter, to the zone that you can take a risk with a favorable matchup. This is that week as the Chiefs face the Miami Dolphins. His simple reads seem to be there, and his accuracy has boosted. Having tall targets such as Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin help as well.

Sit: Joe Flacco

Flacco has just been too erratic lately to put him in as a fantasy starter against a top tier defense. The Steelers injuries defensively will bode well for Ray Rice more than Flacco.

Sit: Josh Freeman

New Orleans has been a team that Freeman has torched in the past. Look for this game to be a bit different. New Orleans is coming off a horrible loss, and knows all to well that this game is pivotal for positioning within the division. Freeman has struggled most of the year, in large part to his receivers not separating from cornerbacks.

Running Backs

Start: DeMarco Murray

Keep riding the newly found most productive waiver wire back of the year.

Start: Steven Jackson

St. Louis believes they can get a two game win streak going. They’ll try to ride the success of last week’s victory, which was with the legs of running back Steven Jackson.

Start: Reggie Bush

Though the Dolphins offense lacks spark, Bush is slowly starting to compile fantasy worthy numbers. With Daniel Thomas shaky to play weekly, Bush is getting more and more reps. Look for him to have another outing worthy to be a flex starter.

Sit: Chris Johnson

You want to figure out a week to insert Johnson for a breakout week but it just doesn’t happen. Now he faces one of the top defenses in the league against the Bengals.

Sit: Tashard Choice

This won’t be the week that Choice has an out of no where game.

Wide Receivers

Start: Pierre Garcon

Start: Joshua Cribbs

Start: Victor Cruz

Sit: Antonio Gates

Sit: Torrey Smith

Sit: Darrius Heyward-Bey

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Seven fantasy games in, it’s now or never to make your last attempt to position yourself for the playoffs. Even if you are in position, keeping an eye on players that could be impactful in the later weeks may prove worth while. Here are some athletes to look at that shined in week seven.

Quarterbacks

Christian Ponder- In his first start, Ponder proved that the Vikings moving forward for 2012 is a smart decision. Displaying the ability to manuever on the run, and air out throws was in view. McNabb on the other hand, could not offset the teams offensive line limitations to be able to create on the run. Ponder provides that, and had a few big plays to off-season acquisition Michael Jenkins.

Carson Palmer- Seeking to add Palmer after his second half performance does not seem like a formidable addition to a fantasy team. The simple fact that Palmer only knew ten percent of the Raiders plays, and rust should be noted. He’ll have a bye week to get in tune with the Raiders playbook and players

Tim Tebow- Even with inaccuracy, Tebow is a fantasy factor due to the amount of yards he is going to get on the ground. His paltry passing yardage numbers will be somewhat offset with his rushing yards. Don’t forget Tebow has had decent passing performances dating back to a year ago.

John Beck- Beck did not do horrible, but lost the head to head matchup with Newton. Beck is in the same category as Rex Grossman from a fantasy stand point. You really won’t be able to anticipate when he is worth starting, but having him on your roster for an emergency may be worth it.

Running Backs

DeMarco Murray- Just check his stats. Hopefully you were able to pick him up before Sunday’s game, when he was noted as a waiver wire pickup.

Marion Barber- The former Cowboy has had a tough start with the Bears. With the team realizing that it’s run blocking is much better than pass protection, Martz is starting to shift his mentality. No more dropping back unnecessary snaps, the team is going to the ground attack. Barber has always been a beast inside the red zone. Maybe there is new fantasy life after Sunday’s performance.

Kregg Lumpkin- The last resort at running back. Tampa Bay is hoping he can be a fill in similar to when the Panthers were forced to a similar situation a few years back. Unlikely, but if you need an option, Lumpkin may be the only choice for you on waivers.

Ryan Torain/Roy Helu- With Hightower done for the year, the Redskins will likely shift to a running back by committee. Normally teams would have a front runner for backup, but not Mike Shanahan. He has already had given fantasy owners teases with both Torain and Helu. Torain has the prior history, but Helu is the young back that may be prime to take over.

Mike Bush- Bush has been fantasy worthy this year just based on the Raiders powerful ground attack. Goal line plunges may now be transformed into a fill in role for the injured McFadden. After McFadden left early in the first against Kansas City, Bush did a fine job with 90 yards and a touchdown.

Wide Receivers

Roy Williams- There has finally been a Williams sighting. For a team that lacks a true number one receiver, Williams has a chance to be a factor if he can stay healthy. A tall target that will have plenty of one on one opportunities, with the way that Matt Forte is rushing the football.

Antonio Brown- He has scattered with performances this year, but there comes a time when that turns into consistency. Against the Cardinals he was getting open with ease, and made some difficult catches. Hines Ward continues to age, and eventually the Steelers are going to lean more in Brown’s direction, if they haven’t already. Look for Brown to have a huge second half of the year.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Are bye week binds killing you? These are the weeks that you need to rely on that depth that you built up with an all around solid draft, and tweaked weekly with waiver wire additions. It’s not too late to sacrifice a dire need by reaching out for a last minute trade (Oakland Raiders). Here are some athletes to take a look at as fantasy starters this weekend.

Quarterbacks

Kevin Kolb-

Sometimes when the pressure is off, that’s when you see a players talent on the field rise. Kevin Kolb came into Arizona as the newfound post Kurt Warner quarterback. Offered a mega million dollar deal, he has struggled to generate a passing attack for the Cardinals. With the 49ers 5-1, and Arizona 1-4 the chances of the season turning around are slim. This should allow for Kolb to truly develop as the year goes on, and get this team thinking positive for 2012.

John Beck-

Carolina’s defense has not been strong all year. Mike Shanahan plugs in Beck at the opportune time to get away with it. As Rex jumped out the gate to start the year, we all knew it was a matter of time before he came back down to Earth. Shanahan may flip flop quarterbacks with his impatience, but Beck should be able to retain the position.

Tim Tebow-

A fanfare ploy of greatness. Tebow gets to debut in Florida against a decimated Dolphins team. No matter how ugly Tebow starts, there will be a chance for him to make it up in the fourth quarter. Miami is not going to run away from Denver. Probably a low scoring game, but Tebow has been a monster for rushing touchdowns. Seven already in his career. When you can get that type of production from a fantasy quarterback, you take it.

Running Backs

Maurice Morris-

You have to like a guy that has been a consistent veteran. Morris does not do anything flashy, and will not be a high sought after free agent. When his name is called though, he can deliver a 100 yard game with a touchdown. With the Ronnie Brown trade nixed, Morris should receive primary carries to himself Sunday.

Earnest Graham-

With Blount’s injury, the Bucs will turn to veteran Earnest Graham. Though Graham may not get the workload that Blount did with carries, the Bucs will mix it up with more pass plays his way. Graham can be an effective pass catching back. That should be a perfect safety valve for Josh Freeman. With the team traveling to London, the receivers may be a little sluggish down field. It isn’t as if they have been stellar this year anyway.

Marshawn Lynch-

Tavaris Jackson’s pectoral injury likely means Charlie Whitehurst re-enters the picture. Lynch’s work load has been rather embarrassing for a number one back. Seattle just has not been a rushing team this year. With Whitehurst in the lineup, look for Pete Carrol to simplify things a tad. Lynch is coming off his best game of the year versus the Giants, and that led to a win. Look for Lynch to get surpass his season high of nineteen carries vs. Arizona.

Wide Receivers

Mike Sims-Walker-

He is back as a Jaguar. After being a bust with St. Louis, he gets a chance to re-correct his season. Most players have to wait years if they were put in a poor situation. Blaine Gabbert made some nifty down field throws last week versus Pittsburgh. The addition of Sims-Walker bolsters the Jaguars passing attack. This Baltimore defense has been stout this year, but over the last few seasons the Ravens have crumbled defensively in stretches. It’s an old team, and I believe Sims-Walker could pose some problems Monday Night

Nate Washington-

A pleasant surprise due to the amount of years he has already been in the league. Hasselbeck has found Washington to be a very reliable target. As Chris Johnson settles in over the next few weeks, Washington’s value should rise even more.

Percy Harvin-

Harvin has typically had decent games vs. the Packers. Minnesota tends to get in holes early in games. With the way their defense has performed, it’ll likely continue against a ramped up Packers offense. Ponder will get plenty of second half garbage stats, to make fans overlook weaknesses in the first half. Harvin will reap a good percentage of those twelve to fifteen second half pass completions.

Owen Daniels

Since Andre Johnson has missed time, Daniels offensive involvement has risen. Baltimore shut him out for the most part last week. A smart defense is going to figure out you’re number one target. Before that game though, Daniels was averaging near six catches a game. He also caught a touchdown for three straight weeks in games two through four. Facing Tennessee, Daniels should be able to free himself up for a big day and a few big plays down the field.